7-Day Itinerary to Explore The Best of Vienna

  • Day 1: Schönbrunn Palace
    20 minutes (7.2 km) from Vienna International Airport

    Schönbrunn Palace is a baroque masterpiece and one of the most visited tourist hotspots in Vienna. This palace was the summer residence of the Austrian emperors and the gardens are magical.

  • Day 2: Hofburg Palace
    20 minutes (11.7 km) from Schönbrunn Palace

    Hofburg Palace is the former imperial palace where the Habsburg dynasty ruled for over six centuries. There are many museums inside, but the highlights are the Austrian National Library, the Imperial Treasury, and the Spanish Riding School.

  • Day 3: St. Stephen's Cathedral
    10 minutes (3.3 km) from Hofburg Palace

    The St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks of Vienna. This gothic cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and offers stunning views of the city.

  • Day 4: Belvedere Palace
    25 minutes (6.7 km) from St. Stephen's Cathedral

    Belvedere Palace is another Baroque jewel and home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings. And you will adore the beautiful gardens as well.

  • Day 5: Naschmarkt & Museum Quarter
    20 minutes (2 km) from Belvedere Palace

    Naschmarkt is an open-air market with over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to exotic spices. Museum Quarter is a cultural neighborhood with over 20 museums and art galleries.

  • Day 6: Danube Tower & Prater Park
    30 minutes (7.9 km) from Museum Quarter

    Danube Tower is an observation tower with 360° views over Vienna. It's located in Prater Park, the oldest amusement park in the world, where you can ride the famous Wiener Riesenrad.

  • Day 7: Vienna Woods
    1 hour (21.9 km) from Prater Park

    Vienna Woods is a stunning nature reserve just outside the city, full of hiking and cycling trails, vineyards, and wine taverns. This is a perfect place to soak up the beauty and tranquility after a week of city exploration.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Schönbrunn Palace (3 hours, €20)
  • Hofburg Palace (4 hours, €25)
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral (2 hours, Free)
  • Belvedere Palace (3 hours, €22)
  • Naschmarkt & Museum Quarter (4 hours, Free)
  • Danube Tower & Prater Park (5 hours, €20)
  • Vienna Woods (6 hours, €30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €117

Transportation

Vienna has an efficient and extensive public transport system that includes buses, trams, subway, and trains. The best option for travelers is to get a Vienna City Card, which offers unlimited use of public transportation, free admission to many attractions, and discounts on tours, restaurants, and shops. A 72-hour pass costs €34, while a 7-day pass costs €44. Taxis are widely available, but they can be pricey.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider exploring other attractions like the Vienna Opera House, the Hundertwasser House, the Albertina Museum, or the Kunsthistorisches Museum. If you have less time, shorten your itinerary or skip some of the activities. Make sure to book your tickets and reservations in advance, especially for popular museums and attractions, to skip the lines.

Airports

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the main airport serving Vienna, located 18 km southeast of the city center. It's the hub for Austrian Airlines and offers flights to many destinations worldwide. The easiest way to get to the city is by taxi or the City Airport Train (CAT), which takes 16 minutes and costs €19. Other options include buses, trains, and car rentals.

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